Ranks that we use in the Spartan Re-enactors
Demi-Phylearch - leader of 6+
Phylearch - leader of 12+
Enomotarch - leader of 36+
Pentekoster - leader of 180+
Lochagos - leader of 1000+/-
Polemarch - leader of the army
Description of each Rank and the Duties and Requirements for that Rank:
DEMIPHYLARCH: The Demi-Phylarch is in charge of the Demi-phyle. In Ancient Sparta the Demi- Phylarch was in charge of the second half of the phyle. In today's armies the Demi-Phylarch is the chosen leader of a group of friends who like to fight together. In battle the Demi-Phylarch must see that his Demi-Phyle performs their part of the army's plan. He must see that his unit hears, understands, and properly executes their orders. If the Demi-Phyle is separated from it's Phyle by chance or by design the Demi-Phylarch must take command. In preparation for war the Demi-Phylarch must see that his Demi- Phyle is trained to fight as a team, in all the maneuvers so that the Army will be flexible. If the Demi- Phyle is missile troops then the Demi-Phylarch must see that they are trained to volley and to skirmish. Logistically the Demi-Phylarch must see that his Demi-Phyle is properly armed and armored. As the war approaches the Demi-Phylarch should see who can attend, see that reservations are made, rides arranged, etc and report on these matters to the Phylarch.
Requirements: Six soldiers to lead, at least four of whom have shown up to fight at the same war, at the same time.
PHYLARCH: The Phylarch is in charge of a Phyle. In Ancient Sparta the Phylarch was the leader of the phyle, which was the basic unit of the phalanx. In battle the Phylarch must repeat the orders of the Enomotarch (Captain) and be certain that his Phyle hears, understands, and executes the commands properly and on time. If the Phyle is split from the Enomotia or if
the Enomotarch is killed then the Phylarch must take command. In preparation for war the Phylarch must see that his Phyle is trained and equipped. That they fight as a team and know their drills and assignments. He is the most important member of the Army logistically. He is the one that gets the Army to the war. He must keep the Enomotarch informed about the readiness of his troops.
Requirements: Twelve soldiers to lead, at least eight of whom have shown up to fight at the same war, at the same time.
ENOMOTARCH:
Simply stated the Enomotarch (Captain) should recruit, equip, train, and arrange for the transport of his Enomotia (Company) and keep the Army's commander informed along the way, particularly as the time of war approaches.
Recruiting and equipping go hand in hand. The Enomotarch should recruit from the world at large as well as from among the historical re-enactment groups. Recruiting takes the form of demonstrations for the public, fighting practice in public places, and publicity (television, newspapers, and posters). People who are already involved as fighters in medieval re-enacting groups are ripe for recruiting into the Enomotia. Every such group has fighters that have qualified but just have not gotten around to finishing their armor and weapons. As Enomotarch your job is to foster the kind of team spirit and comradery that will encourage these fighters to get their equipment together. Organize craft nights for making armor, equipment, or weapons. Tasks go faster and it is more fun when you work together. Get the non-fighters to pitch-in with the handiwork.
Requirements: thirty-six soldiers to lead, at least twenty-four of whom have shown up to fight at the same war, at the same time.
Other Officers:
OURAGOS (FILE CLOSER): The Ouragos follows the Enomotia. His job is to keep the formations in line and closed up with no gaps. He also makes sure the Enomotarch (Captains) orders are heard and followed. He may carry a banner to serve as a rally point for stragglers who become separated from the unit.
Requirements: this rank is appointed by the Enomotarch.
HYPERETES (SERGEANT MAJOR): (often the same person as the Ouragos) The Hyperetes assists the Enomotarch in the administration of the Enomotia, helping with organizing, equipping, setting camp, getting everyone to the battles on time... and all of the dull everyday things that make or break the unit's performance on the field.
Requirements: this rank is appointed by the Enomotarch.
